EARNING AND LEARNING by George on the Outer
Despite the fact that the Brisbane Lions are on the bottom rung of the AFL ladder, they made Melbourne earn its win at the MCG on Sunday. The younger Demons also learned that wins are not a given; you must work and continue to work even when the team is five goals up in the final quarter.
This is precisely the type of lesson this team needs in the lead up to September action for possibly the first time in over ten years. The Lions were able to bring the game back to within a couple of kicks with about ten minutes to play, but Melbourne rallied, especially through Cam Pedersen and Angus Brayshaw when the game was all on the line.
Pedersen repaid the faith that the club had in him after it re-signed him again for next year, and his rucking, marking and willingness to push himself to the limit when required saw him finish the day with three goals, including the one which finally put paid to the Brisbane revival.
Angus Brayshaw showed maturity far beyond his years when he provided an option for Mitch Hannan in the dying seconds, ran the clock down further, and then finally slotted the goal to ensure the Demons ran out 13 point winners.
Melbourne started badly, with an attitude that the fans had seen all too often when playing against a lowly ranked side. Zorko, Beams and Rockliff ran riot in the middle and it wasn’t until Jake Melksham was assigned the task of curtailing Zorko, that the Demons started to get some value from the middle.
In the middle, the side truly missed the inside work of Jack Viney, and Nathan Jones became the sole “get it” man. Dom Tyson was in sorry form again, and if he continues to give the ball to the opposition by hand, he won’t be playing finals, especially when both Viney and Corey Maynard are there knocking at the door. Fortunately, swinging Petracca and Melksham into the middle stopped the rot and both Jones and Oliver were able to produce some influence.
Up forward, Jesse Hogan had a fine day out with 6 goals which should give him a lot of confidence after his season from Hell. While he provides that target that the team so desperately needs, he also distracts the opposition defencewhich can leave Pedersen and Garlett unmarked as was witnessed on a number of occasions. If he can refine his leads, he will become something truly special.
The backs did well when called upon, but most of the Brisbane scores came from swift ball movement, and precise kicking. Combined with the lack of run and pressure on the ball carrier they went coast to coast on numerous occasions, and had multiple goals from the goal square without a Melbourne player in sight.
Where to now? A place in the finals is relatively certain, bar a substantial loss to Collingwood, and an equally substantial win by the West Coast Eagles against Adelaide. But with that game being played after our match next week, it is important not to give them the incentive to win and make finals.
Our future is well and truly in our own hands. We hope the lessons from this week have been learned in order that we can say that our spot in the finals has indeed been earned.
Melbourne 3.3.21 6.6.42 11.8.74 16.8.104
Brisbane Lions 2.3.15 6.3.39 9.5.59 14.7.91
Goals
Melbourne Hogan 6 Pedersen 3 Garlett 2 Brayshaw Harmes Melksham Petracca Vince
Brisbane Lions D Beams 3 Rockliff 2 Allison Barrett Bastinac Close Gardiner Hipwood McCluggage Walker Zorko
Best
Melbourne Hogan Pedersen Petracca Jones Oliver Hibberd Melksham
Brisbane Lions D Beams Zorko Bastinac Taylor Rockliff Witherden
Changes
Melbourne Nil
Brisbane Lions Nil
Injuries
Melbourne Nil
Brisbane Lions C Beams (head) D Beams (head)
Reports
Melbourne Nil
Brisbane Lions Nil
Umpires Rosebury, Gavine, Mollison
Official crowd 30,422 at the MCG

FROM LITTLE THINGS, BIG THINGS GROW by Georgina on the Outer
In a game of firsts, the new AFLW Demons side lowered their colours to the Brisbane Lions in what became a scrappy tussle. But this was the game that had firsts and more firsts.
The first ever game for a womens team playing for the Melbourne Football Club.
The first ever game played at Casey Fields for AFL championship points.
The first time an AFL level game had to be stopped due to the danger of lightning strike!
And it was entertaining to boot!
The first quarter was played mostly in idyllic conditions in front of what must have been a crowd of 10-15K. The locals turned out in their droves with kids in tow, and demonstrated why the MFC investment in the Casey alignment is starting to pay off. The Melbourne supporters also turned up in their droves, but what was truly surprising was the strong contingent of women supporters for both sides. Girls who obviously play the game at lower levels, but were there just the same.
All in all it was an impressive start, but the Demons squandered their chances. While conditions were conducive to a free running and quick ball movement the Demons took advantage. Daisy Pearce was simply a class above anyone else on the field, but we only have one of her.
The ball finished up multiple times in the forward line, but the forwards simply weren’t there, didn’t play in front or couldn’t kick relatively simply opportunities when they presented. Despite multiple attacks the Demons had 4 behinds to show for it while the Lions with barely a single forward thrust scored a major.
Then the storm hit. Lightning and thunder struck overhead, and the field umpires took the players off the field. Rather wisely it would seem as the skies turned black and the torrential rain began. All was not lost during that period as the crowd on the other wing was entertained by the security guard trying to put on a poncho while the wind and rain tried its hardest to remove it from him. A few renditions of The Village Peoples' “Macho man” helped him along, but it was finally one of the mothers in the crowd who showed him where his head was supposed to fit.
Unfortunately, too late, because the rain then stopped following a 10 or 15 minute delay and all returned. But the Melbourne side seemed unaware that the ground was now drenched, with a slippery cake of soap substituting for the ball.
They continued to try to play dry weather football, handballing and kicking short. It didn’t work time and time again, while Brisbane simply scrambled the ball forward to their advantage. Melbourne then helped the situation with two 50 metre penalties for running over the mark, both which resulted in goals. And that became the difference between winning and losing.
Mel Hickey tried everything to lift the side around the packs, and Daisy was moved forward to try to provide some spark, but it was to no avail. Elise O’Dea and Karne Paxman put in more than creditable performances, but there were simply too many Melbourne players who barely troubled the statisticians.
At least, the Demons are only a game out of the top four let's hope that they go into next week's game against Collingwood with more than one goal in mind which is what both teams achieved at the weekend.
This was a great first game, the result may not have been what we wanted, the conditions weren’t the best, but let's remember that Paul Kelly (the singer, not the footballer) one said that "from little things, big things grow". This competition has a great future, and it is hoped the fans continue to support it in full.
Melbourne 0.3.3 1.4.10 1.4.10 1.4.10
Brisbane Lions 0.0.0 2.0.12 2.1.13 4.1.25
Goals
Melbourne Grierson
Brisbane Lions Campbell Frederick-Traub Gibson McCarthy
Best
Melbourne Pearce Paxman O'Dea Hickey
Brisbane Lions Virgo Bates Frederick-Traub Kaslar Randall
Crowd approx. 6,000 at Casey Fields

In a game of firsts, the new AFLW Demons side lowered their colours to the Brisbane Lions in what became a scrappy tussle. But this was the game that had firsts and more firsts.
The first ever game for a womens team playing for the Melbourne Football Club.
The first ever game played at Casey Fields for AFL championship points.
The first time an AFL level game had to be stopped due to the danger of lightning strike!
And it was entertaining to boot!
The first quarter was played mostly in idyllic conditions in front of what must have been a crowd of 10-15K. The locals turned out in their droves with kids in tow, and demonstrated why the MFC investment in the Casey alignment is starting to pay off. The Melbourne supporters also turned up in their droves, but what was truly surprising was the strong contingent of women supporters for both sides. Girls who obviously play the game at lower levels, but were there just the same.
All in all it was an impressive start, but the Demons squandered their chances. While conditions were conducive to a free running and quick ball movement the Demons took advantage. Daisy Pearce was simply a class above anyone else on the field, but we only have one of her.
The ball finished up multiple times in the forward line, but the forwards simply weren’t there, didn’t play in front or couldn’t kick relatively simply opportunities when they presented. Despite multiple attacks the Demons had 4 behinds to show for it while the Lions with barely a single forward thrust scored a major.
Then the storm hit. Lightning and thunder struck overhead, and the field umpires took the players off the field. Rather wisely it would seem as the skies turned black and the torrential rain began. All was not lost during that period as the crowd on the other wing was entertained by the security guard trying to put on a poncho while the wind and rain tried its hardest to remove it from him. A few renditions of The Village Peoples' “Macho man” helped him along, but it was finally one of the mothers in the crowd who showed him where his head was supposed to fit.
Unfortunately, too late, because the rain then stopped following a 10 or 15 minute delay and all returned. But the Melbourne side seemed unaware that the ground was now drenched, with a slippery cake of soap substituting for the ball.
They continued to try to play dry weather football, handballing and kicking short. It didn’t work time and time again, while Brisbane simply scrambled the ball forward to their advantage. Melbourne then helped the situation with two 50 metre penalties for running over the mark, both which resulted in goals. And that became the difference between winning and losing.
Mel Hickey tried everything to lift the side around the packs, and Daisy was moved forward to try to provide some spark, but it was to no avail. Elise O’Dea and Karne Paxman put in more than creditable performances, but there were simply too many Melbourne players who barely troubled the statisticians.
At least, the Demons are only a game out of the top four let's hope that they go into next week's game against Collingwood with more than one goal in mind which is what both teams achieved at the weekend.
This was a great first game, the result may not have been what we wanted, the conditions weren’t the best, but let's remember that Paul Kelly (the singer, not the footballer) one said that "from little things, big things grow". This competition has a great future, and it is hoped the fans continue to support it in full.
Melbourne 0.3.3 1.4.10 1.4.10 1.4.10
Brisbane Lions 0.0.0 2.0.12 2.1.13 4.1.25
Goals
Melbourne Grierson
Brisbane Lions Campbell Frederick-Traub Gibson McCarthy
Best
Melbourne Pearce Paxman O'Dea Hickey
Brisbane Lions Virgo Bates Frederick-Traub Kaslar Randall
Crowd approx. 6,000 at Casey Fields

THE SEVEN YEAR SWITCH by George on the Outer
After seven years in the wilderness, the Fans in the Outer may have reason to overcome their MFCSS (Melbourne Football Club Supporter Syndrome).
A game against Brisbane who sat in 16th place with a solitary win for the season, against the Demons having four wins under their belt, and sitting just outside the 8 was a cause for angst.
In the past going into the game as favourites, home at the MCG, on a fine day with nearly a full side to select from and wanting to stay in finals contention was a sure recipe for completely stuffing up the opportunity sitting before them.
So to come out of the game with a ten goal win might finally see the end of the MFCSS, and a march toward something completely different from the last seven years of anguish.
The match was previewed by an exhibition match between the Melbourne and Brisbane Lions’ women’s’ sides. It was a sheer delight to watch the skills of AFL on display without the rolling mauls and scrambling play and continuous ball-ups that blights the male version today.
Make no mistake - the girls play it hard and tough as well, but if you want to see some real football talent on display, make sure you get along to the next game, and watch Daisy Pearce and her team in action.
The girls set the tone for the day with an over 10 goal win of their own. The dominance of the MFC players was marked, and the game effectively was over by ¼ time. Let us see more of them in the coming years.
Melbourne 6.4.40 8.5.53 10.7.67 14.7.91
Brisbane Lions 0.0.0 1.0.6 1.1.7 3.2.20
Goals
Melbourne Cameron 6 Boyd 3 Eva Foley Kemp D Pearce L Pearce
Brisbane Lions McCarthy 2 Law
Best
Melbourne Cameron Blackburn Hardiman Hosking Lockland D Pearce Boyd
Brisbane Lions Hunt Virgo Zieke Anderson
And now, onto the boys … like the girls, the direction of the game was set by quarter time, with the Demons putting through five majors and then another five to make it ten by half time. The Lions squandered chances in the third quarter with multiple set shots going wide of the mark.
Strangely, the wind affected the kicking for goal for both sides, when the MCG is usually devoid of any real wind advantage. It just swirled around and was fluky, making the shots for goal a hit and miss scenario.
Still, the Demons did it better and finished by nearly doubling the Lions score. It’s a long time since we have witnessed such high scores from Melbourne sides and it makes for some interesting exhibitions of football.
With a last minute withdrawal of Dom Tyson, the midfield just wasn’t as dominant as it can be, and this demonstrates Tyson’s influence on the team’s performance this year. Without his partner in crime, Jack Viney was unusually quiet with only 19 touches (still can’t complain about that, can we?). But the slack was picked up by Christian Petracca and Billy Stretch. Billy ran riot on the flanks and had 31 touches. The old heads among the fan base will remember and be able to compare his skills with that of his father. If he keeps performing in this manner, we are in for some wonderful displays in the future.
Max Gawn was targeted again this week, and got little help from the umpires as third man up and opposition rucks just jump into him while the first ruckman simply held onto him. He could barely walk at the end of the game, and next week it is essential that he get some relief from a second ruck. Jack Watts provided the relief this week, and did a simply superb job and the hit outs with eight of his own. It was a brilliant move by the coaches, and forced Watts into the game a lot more than he has been in the past couple of weeks.
But he is not the solution, as Max needs help around the ground and shouldn’t have to run to each and every contest. We simply cannot afford from him to break down this season.
The backline unfortunately leaked like a sieve again this week. The current game plan or failure to execute the game plan sees the opposition getting easy goals and marks from inside the defensive 50.
Colin Garland provides a big body in contested situations but simply stands off or loses his man too easily. Viv Michie was horrible at HBF and only two possessions to half time hopefully has marked his cards for next week. There are too many pushing for senior selection to carry passengers. Oscar McDonald was way out of his depth this week, but he needs the experience for the future. We simply cannot afford too many NQR players against better opposition.
Yes, a 10 goal win is something delightful after the years of pain we have suffered. Now if the side really wants to bury the MFCSS, a win in Alice Springs against a side, which like us is challenging for a finals spot and only one place below us on the ladder, is essential.
Let’s do it!
Melbourne 5.6.36 10.7.67 13.10.88 19.17.131
Brisbane Lions 2.3.15 5.5.35 6.10.46 9.14.68
Goals
Melbourne Hogan 5 Harmes 4 Garlett 2 Jones Kennedy Kent Michie Newton Stretch Viney Watts
Brisbane Lions Bell 3 Lester 2 Freeman Keays Taylor Zorko
Best
Melbourne Hogan Bugg Petracca Garlett Oliver Watts
Brisbane Lions Zorko Robinson Bell Rich
Changes
Melbourne Tyson (ill) replaced by Newton
Brisbane Lions Nil
Injuries
Melbourne Clayton Oliver (corked thigh)
Brisbane Lions Nil
Reports
Melbourne Nil
Brisbane Lions Nil
Umpires Deboy Findlay Harris
Official crowd 26,892 at the MCG

After seven years in the wilderness, the Fans in the Outer may have reason to overcome their MFCSS (Melbourne Football Club Supporter Syndrome).
A game against Brisbane who sat in 16th place with a solitary win for the season, against the Demons having four wins under their belt, and sitting just outside the 8 was a cause for angst.
In the past going into the game as favourites, home at the MCG, on a fine day with nearly a full side to select from and wanting to stay in finals contention was a sure recipe for completely stuffing up the opportunity sitting before them.
So to come out of the game with a ten goal win might finally see the end of the MFCSS, and a march toward something completely different from the last seven years of anguish.
The match was previewed by an exhibition match between the Melbourne and Brisbane Lions’ women’s’ sides. It was a sheer delight to watch the skills of AFL on display without the rolling mauls and scrambling play and continuous ball-ups that blights the male version today.
Make no mistake - the girls play it hard and tough as well, but if you want to see some real football talent on display, make sure you get along to the next game, and watch Daisy Pearce and her team in action.
The girls set the tone for the day with an over 10 goal win of their own. The dominance of the MFC players was marked, and the game effectively was over by ¼ time. Let us see more of them in the coming years.
Melbourne 6.4.40 8.5.53 10.7.67 14.7.91
Brisbane Lions 0.0.0 1.0.6 1.1.7 3.2.20
Goals
Melbourne Cameron 6 Boyd 3 Eva Foley Kemp D Pearce L Pearce
Brisbane Lions McCarthy 2 Law
Best
Melbourne Cameron Blackburn Hardiman Hosking Lockland D Pearce Boyd
Brisbane Lions Hunt Virgo Zieke Anderson
And now, onto the boys … like the girls, the direction of the game was set by quarter time, with the Demons putting through five majors and then another five to make it ten by half time. The Lions squandered chances in the third quarter with multiple set shots going wide of the mark.
Strangely, the wind affected the kicking for goal for both sides, when the MCG is usually devoid of any real wind advantage. It just swirled around and was fluky, making the shots for goal a hit and miss scenario.
Still, the Demons did it better and finished by nearly doubling the Lions score. It’s a long time since we have witnessed such high scores from Melbourne sides and it makes for some interesting exhibitions of football.
With a last minute withdrawal of Dom Tyson, the midfield just wasn’t as dominant as it can be, and this demonstrates Tyson’s influence on the team’s performance this year. Without his partner in crime, Jack Viney was unusually quiet with only 19 touches (still can’t complain about that, can we?). But the slack was picked up by Christian Petracca and Billy Stretch. Billy ran riot on the flanks and had 31 touches. The old heads among the fan base will remember and be able to compare his skills with that of his father. If he keeps performing in this manner, we are in for some wonderful displays in the future.
Max Gawn was targeted again this week, and got little help from the umpires as third man up and opposition rucks just jump into him while the first ruckman simply held onto him. He could barely walk at the end of the game, and next week it is essential that he get some relief from a second ruck. Jack Watts provided the relief this week, and did a simply superb job and the hit outs with eight of his own. It was a brilliant move by the coaches, and forced Watts into the game a lot more than he has been in the past couple of weeks.
But he is not the solution, as Max needs help around the ground and shouldn’t have to run to each and every contest. We simply cannot afford from him to break down this season.
The backline unfortunately leaked like a sieve again this week. The current game plan or failure to execute the game plan sees the opposition getting easy goals and marks from inside the defensive 50.
Colin Garland provides a big body in contested situations but simply stands off or loses his man too easily. Viv Michie was horrible at HBF and only two possessions to half time hopefully has marked his cards for next week. There are too many pushing for senior selection to carry passengers. Oscar McDonald was way out of his depth this week, but he needs the experience for the future. We simply cannot afford too many NQR players against better opposition.
Yes, a 10 goal win is something delightful after the years of pain we have suffered. Now if the side really wants to bury the MFCSS, a win in Alice Springs against a side, which like us is challenging for a finals spot and only one place below us on the ladder, is essential.
Let’s do it!
Melbourne 5.6.36 10.7.67 13.10.88 19.17.131
Brisbane Lions 2.3.15 5.5.35 6.10.46 9.14.68
Goals
Melbourne Hogan 5 Harmes 4 Garlett 2 Jones Kennedy Kent Michie Newton Stretch Viney Watts
Brisbane Lions Bell 3 Lester 2 Freeman Keays Taylor Zorko
Best
Melbourne Hogan Bugg Petracca Garlett Oliver Watts
Brisbane Lions Zorko Robinson Bell Rich
Changes
Melbourne Tyson (ill) replaced by Newton
Brisbane Lions Nil
Injuries
Melbourne Clayton Oliver (corked thigh)
Brisbane Lions Nil
Reports
Melbourne Nil
Brisbane Lions Nil
Umpires Deboy Findlay Harris
Official crowd 26,892 at the MCG

I'm camping at Winton V8's and it's too cold to sleep (should have listened to wife and brought an extra blanket) so I'll start game day.
Hopefully we learnt out lesson agianst Essendon and just get the job done today, 4 points is a non negotiable.

CRISIS? by the Oracle
This week sees the Demons face yet another club in crisis, one which has progressively over a number of years transferred its identity from becoming the Brisbane Lions at the turn of the century back into the Brisbane Bears.
The irony of course is that while Melbourne has already had its share of contests against clubs in strife during the season, the club itself has lurched through the past decade as the epitome of a club in crisis.
While we have watched the young Demon side show us some positive, exciting glimpses to hold out some promise that it will step out of the mire at some time very soon, it continues to give fans its moments of despair so that a home ground contest against an ailing Bears club that was thrashed a week ago by Collingwood at the Gabba can be looked upon them as problematic - even when they are raging favourites to win.
The game looks winnable from every aspect. Max Gawn is coming along nicely in his rucking role and he continues to give teammates at his feet a good ride at stoppages. The Melbourne midfield is improving in quality and depth. For the first time in living memory the Dees were credited with employing an innovative tactic.
The only problem is that the "Diamond Pattern" or "Diamond Defence" didn't quite work when employed against the Bulldogs and if it was employed when they played the Bombers and the Saints, then it was an abject failure. Hopefully, it will be a case of back to the drawing board this week when the team faces the Bears because it really can't afford to lose another game to a club in crisis.
It's not that last week's loss to the Bulldogs was comparable to the losses to Essendon and St Kilda. The Doggies are a competent well drilled outfit that more the ball quickly with precision. They have managed to get themselves out of "crisis mode" in quick time and based upon what we saw last week, they are definite contenders this year.
Many of us hoped that Melbourne would follow a similar path this year but unless it can shake off the inconsistent tag, it will languish between the middle and lower half of the table.
Winning against Brisbane at home on Sunday will help but it will remain one small step in the process necessary to avert the next crisis.
THE GAME
Melbourne v Brisbane at MCG Sunday 22 May, 2016 at 1.10pm
HEAD TO HEAD
Overall: Melbourne 22 wins Brisbane 20 wins
At MCG: Melbourne 12 wins Brisbane 3 wins
Last Five Meetings: Melbourne 1 win Brisbane 4 win
The Coaches: Roos 1 win Leppitsch 1 wins
MEDIA
TV - Fox Footy Channel live at 1.00pm
Radio - SEN ABC ABC Grandstand
THE BETTING
Melbourne $1.18 to win Brisbane $4.75 to win
LAST TIME THEY MET Melbourne 8.12.60 defeated Brisbane 4.12.36 at the MCG, Round 16, 2015.
The Lions kicked only one goal for the entire first half while the Demons managed only one in the second half in a putrid skill free exhibition of ineptitude. Jesse Hogan was the shining light with four goals.
TEAMS
MELBOURNE
B: Billy Stretch, Tom McDonald, Tomas Bugg
HB: Josh Wagner, Colin Garland, Bernie Vince
C: Clayton Oliver, Dom Tyson, Viv Michie
HF: Dean Kent, Jack Watts, Jeff Garlett
F: Christian Petracca, Jesse Hogan, Ben Kennedy
FOLL: Max Gawn, Nathan Jones, Jack Viney
I/C: James Harmes, Jayden Hunt, Alex Neal-Bullen, Oscar McDonald
EMG: Lynden Dunn, Jack Grimes, Ben Newton
IN: Jack Grimes, Dean Kent, Alex Neal-Bullen, Ben Newton, Oscar McDonald
OUT: Neville Jetta (suspension), Cam Pedersen (illness), Christian Salem (omitted)
BRISBANE LIONS
B: Ryan Harwood, Daniel Merrett, Jackson Paine
HB: Daniel Rich, Daniel McStay, Sam Mayes
C: Ryan Lester, Allen Christensen, Tom Bell
HF: Pearce Hanley, Lewis Taylor, Nick Robertson
F: Trent West, Josh Schache, Ryan Bastinac
FOLL: Stefan Martin, Dayne Zorko, Mitch Robinson
I/C: Billy Evans, Jonathan Freeman, Ben Keays, Rhys Mathieson
EMG: Josh Clayton, Eric Hipwood, Jarrad Jansen
IN: Billy Evans, Jonathan Freeman, Daniel McStay, Rhys Mathieson, Jackson Paine, Nick Robertson, Trent West
OUT: Clay Beams (groin), Dayne Beams (knee), Rohan Bewick (groin), Darcy Gardiner (finger), Josh Green (omitted), Marco Paparone (omitted), Josh Walker (omitted)
NEW: Rhys Mathieson (Geelong U18)

Melbourne wrapped up this low scoring game against a very kinky bottom-of-the-ladder Brisbane Lions in the first quarter when it kicked five goals, three of them off the boot of Jesse Hogan, the Demons' brightest shining light on the horizon in several years. In fact, 20-year-old Hogan who kicked his fourth in the last quarter is more than just on the horizon - he's getting close to taking over centre stage. Given that the Lions also scored a major in the opening stanza, half of the game’s paltry total of twelve goals had been kicked by quarter time, leaving plenty of time for boring, defensive and ugly football in what was certainly not an exhibition of the finer points of the great Australian game. Fortunately, the administrators of our indigenous sport can also point to the fact that on the same ground, on the night before, the best exponents of the world game, produced a similarly lifeless and scoreless effort. It's probably gone largely unrecognised because the Demons haven't exactly put enough results on the board but the past month or two have seen some definite signs of improvement. Leaving aside, the last 40 minutes of the game against the Eagles in Darwin, the Melbourne has been in winning positions in all of its games since the Queens Birthday clash against Collingwood. Last week, it was a burst of accuracy by the Bombers in the third quarter (and inaccuracy all day by the Dees) that cost it the game, a few weeks before that, a defensive brain fade in the dying moment that deprived them of the points at Etihad against the Saints. In light of that, who could argue with an ugly 24 point victory against an opponent kept to only four goals? (in fact, the team has kept its opposition down to just 8 goals in 7 of the last 8 quarters played) This defensive mindset is reminiscent of last year but it's certainly becoming more effective and efficient. How long before a breakthrough sees the team record another significant win like that against Geelong four weeks ago? The selectors persevered with the same side that lost to the Bombers and are giving more game time to their young players while signaling to the likes of Mark Jamar and Jack Grimes that their time may still come. The young kids tried and showed promise and, of course, Hogan was the standout but the kudos from this game will go to the likes of Jeremy Howe who excelled in defence in what might have been his last chance before a stint at Casey. Bernie Vince and Jack Viney were the pick of the midfielders but there really wasn’t much excitement in the club’s engine room. Max Gawn is winning in the ruck on a weekly basis but the men at his feet are still not capitalizing on his dominance. Apart from in the first quarter, Brisbane won at the clearances and stoppages and hence, the struggle on the part of the team to score after the first break. Its little wonder therefore that in the post-match press conference, Paul Roos said that the aim is to recruit an A list midfielder into the ranks for next year. That’s wonderful but Dangerfield and Treloar appear out of his grasp so, unless he can pull a rabbit out of his hat, Roosy might have to rely on some of the youngsters in his own ranks to continue to improve and for Jack Trengove and Christian Petracca to make full recoveries from the injuries that kept them out this season. Next week, Melbourne takes on St. Kilda which continues to be impressive although, like the Dees, isn’t getting enough wins on the board for the effort expended. A victory would see the team on course for its highest placed finish in four years, perhaps a springboard for the future. Melbourne 5.4.34 7.7.49 7.10.52 8.12.60 Brisbane Lions 1.2.8 1.5.11 3.8.26 4.12.36 Goals Melbourne Hogan 4 Garlett McDonald 2 Brisbane Lions Andrews, Christensen, Robinson, Zorko Best Melbourne Howe, Gawn, Hogan, Viney, Cross, vandenBerg Brisbane Lions Christensen, Zorko, Taylor, Beams, Andrews Changes Melbourne Nil Brisbane Lions Nil Injuries Melbourne Nil Brisbane Lions Hanley (hamstring) Substitutions Melbourne Alex Neal-Bullen replaced Jay Kennedy-Harris in the third term Brisbane Lions James Aish replaced Pearce Hanley in the third quarter Reports Melbourne Nil Brisbane Lions Nil Umpires Bannister, Harris, McInerney Official crowd 25,149 at the MCG

THE NIGHT OF THE JACKS by Whispering Jack They didn't win. Really, they didn't even deserve to do so or even come that close for that matter and the Brisbane Lions were well below full strength with Jonathan Brown and two of their best midfielders out of the contest. But with the season now entering a prolonged junk time for the Melbourne Football Club and our thoughts firmly focussed on the trade and draft periods and the coming back room battles for control of a banana republic board that will, for some time remain subservient to the AFL army, there were some things you just had to take from a loss of less than 20 points. I could settle for the performance of James Frawley who prevailed over a defence which in better circumstances (i.e if we had a midfield that could occasionally win a centre clearance) would be regarded as first world. "Chip" was awesome on the night and he was well assisted by Colin Garland until the third quarter tragedy took place (more of that later). I could have also settled on Nathan Jones who is all class in a moribund midfield and who was worn all night by a glove called Andrew Raines and still managed to have an impact (even if limited) or on Colin Sylvia who worked hard in the hot humid evening to amass 27 touches. In the end however, I decided to dedicate the night to our Jacks - all five of them because together, they will lead this club forward. I don't know how the judges who award the NAB Rising Star can avoid giving young Viney the gong this week. Our youngest player led by example, took the hits and was often found at the bottom of the packs in his first AFL game in 10 weeks and only ran out of steam at the end. This is where the club's midfield revival starts. The club's ugly duckling Jack Fitzpatrick is turning into a swan, dangerous around goal with a haul of four, three of them in the opening term and it could have been more but for a little knee problem. Jack Watts gifted him one of those early goals and was terrific on the night with 21 touches (10 marks), even having to go into the ruck at times to help out Max Gawn and Jack F in the sapping heat. Jack Grimes had a negating role in the middle and did it well while his co-captain Jack Trengove lurked with intent, laid a dozen tackles and was a strong contributor. He's emerging out of a dirty first half of a season in which his preparation was hampered by a difficult foot injury. There was more. Max Gawn worked hard in the ruck and got his share of hit outs and while beaten around the ground by Leuenberger is on his way to a career as one of the game's better big men. The team effort was solid and a major improvement on last week. The quarter time score of 5.1.31 exceeded that of the deluge affected score from Simonds Stadium, they went inside 50 fifty times and for the second week in a row, kept the opposition to under 100 points. The last quarter and a half was played under the disadvantage of being a rotation short after a languishing Jimmy Toumpas was subbed off with Garland rolling an ankle a minute or so later. Bad luck but, in those tough conditions, it gave Brisbane that small advantage that allowed it to safely see out the game. Junk time and the MFC world tour continues next week with our second home game in a row away from home, this time at Etihad against a desperately unlucky North Melbourne team that will be keen to give another team a kicking after its train of tragedies and close defeats. A month ago I wouldn't have given the Demons a chance but now - who knows? Melbourne 5.1.31 6.5.41 10.7.67 11.9 75 Brisbane Lions 3.4.22 8.5.53 11.12.78 13.16.94 Goals Melbourne Fitzpatrick 4 Blease Davey 2 Byrnes Dawes N Jones Brisbane Lions Green Staker 3 Merrett Redden 2 Lisle Mayes, Zorko Best Melbourne Frawley Viney Fitzpatrick Sylvia Grimes Trengove Brisbane Lions Rockliff Hanley Leuenberger Redden Staker Green Injuries Melbourne Garland (ankle) Brisbane Lions Nil Changes Melbourne Nil Brisbane Lions Jonathan Brown and Mitch Golby replaced by Sam Docherty and Jordan Lisle Reports Melbourne Nil Brisbane Lions Nil Umpired Findlay Ryan Fila Official Crowd 7,615 at TIO Stadium

They didn't win. Really, they didn't even deserve to do so or even come that close for that matter and the Brisbane Lions were well below full strength with Jonathan Brown and two of their best midfielders out of the contest. But with the season now entering a prolonged junk time for the Melbourne Football Club and our thoughts firmly focussed on the trade and draft periods and the coming back room battles for control of a banana republic board that will, for some time remain subservient to the AFL army, there were some things you just had to take from a loss of less than 20 points. I could settle for the performance of James Frawley who prevailed over a defence which in better circumstances (i.e if we had a midfield that could occasionally win a centre clearance) would be regarded as first world. "Chip" was awesome on the night and he was well assisted by Colin Garland until the third quarter tragedy took place (more of that later). I could have also settled on Nathan Jones who is all class in a moribund midfield and who was worn all night by a glove called Andrew Raines and still managed to have an impact (even if limited) or on Colin Sylvia who worked hard in the hot humid evening to amass 27 touches. In the end however, I decided to dedicate the night to our Jacks - all five of them because together, they will lead this club forward. I don't know how the judges who award the NAB Rising Star can avoid giving young Viney the gong this week. Our youngest player led by example, took the hits and was often found at the bottom of the packs in his first AFL game in 10 weeks and only ran out of steam at the end. This is where the club's midfield revival starts. The club's ugly duckling Jack Fitzpatrick is turning into a swan, dangerous around goal with a haul of four, three of them in the opening term and it could have been more but for a little knee problem. Jack Watts gifted him one of those early goals and was terrific on the night with 21 touches (10 marks), even having to go into the ruck at times to help out Max Gawn and Jack F in the sapping heat. Jack Grimes had a negating role in the middle and did it well while his co-captain Jack Trengove lurked with intent, laid a dozen tackles and was a strong contributor. He's emerging out of a dirty first half of a season in which his preparation was hampered by a difficult foot injury. There was more. Max Gawn worked hard in the ruck and got his share of hit outs and while beaten around the ground by Leuenberger is on his way to a career as one of the game's better big men. The team effort was solid and a major improvement on last week. The quarter time score of 5.1.31 exceeded that of the deluge affected score from Simonds Stadium, they went inside 50 fifty times and for the second week in a row, kept the opposition to under 100 points. The last quarter and a half was played under the disadvantage of being a rotation short after a languishing Jimmy Toumpas was subbed off with Garland rolling an ankle a minute or so later. Bad luck but, in those tough conditions, it gave Brisbane that small advantage that allowed it to safely see out the game. Junk time and the MFC world tour continues next week with our second home game in a row away from home, this time at Etihad against a desperately unlucky North Melbourne team that will be keen to give another team a kicking after its train of tragedies and close defeats. A month ago I wouldn't have given the Demons a chance but now - who knows? Melbourne 5.1.31 6.5.41 10.7.67 11.9 75 Brisbane Lions 3.4.22 8.5.53 11.12.78 13.16.94 Goals Melbourne Fitzpatrick 4 Blease Davey 2 Byrnes Dawes N Jones Brisbane Lions Green Staker 3 Merrett Redden 2 Lisle Mayes, Zorko Best Melbourne Frawley Viney Fitzpatrick Sylvia Grimes Trengove Brisbane Lions Rockliff Hanley Leuenberger Redden Staker Green Injuries Melbourne Garland (ankle) Brisbane Lions Nil Changes Melbourne Nil Brisbane Lions Jonathan Brown and Mitch Golby replaced by Sam Docherty and Jordan Lisle Reports Melbourne Nil Brisbane Lions Nil Umpired Findlay Ryan Fila Official Crowd 7,615 at TIO Stadium

I thought we could start today's game day with part of JVM's preview of tonight's game. THE LATE MAIL by JVM My late mail delivered by Bill Lawry's carrier pigeon returning after fleeing Lords is that Jonathan Brown and Mitch Golby are out of the Brisbane Lions side for the game in Darwin. They join veteran midfielders Simon Black and Brent Moloney on the sidelines for the Lions which probably offsets the fact that former Brisbanite Mitch Clark continues to be missing from the Melbourne line up. Now, if only Mark Neeld was still around, he would no doubt explain the significance of the absence of the Brisbane quartet in terms of raw numbers of experience as expressed in games played. Leaving aside young Golby who has added some grunt to its defence, Brisbane is missing more than 700 games of AFL experience and almost the same number of goals scored. In economic terms they together comprise the equivalent of the gross national product of some South American banana republics and enough to raise even Alan Stockdale's eyebrows. What this means is that the game takes on an entirely different complexion. I don't have the precise figures (actually I don't have any figures at all) but I'm guessing that the differential between age, experience and body strength has narrowed markedly while Melbourne's main advantage over Brisbane (average IQ) would have gone through the roof with the absence of Brown and Moloney. This leaves only two considerations - the weather and the superiority of the opposition midfield. These were the two factors that in my view, led to that embarrassing record inside 50 differential against the Cats last week. I checked the weather report and they're predicting warm, sunny conditions during the day (max 32, min 19) and little or no rain although humidity will be high up to 95%. That means it won't be bucketing down as it did at Simonds Stadium so the Dees will have some respite on the weather front. Unfortunately, the Lions still have the advantage in the midfield even with Black and Moloney missing. Leuenberger should have the edge in terms of experience over Gawn and Fitzpatrick and Rich, Redden and Rockliff are likely to dominate the clearances with Raines sitting on Nathan Jones. Elsewhere, Melbourne needs to capitalise on the absence of Jonathan Brown who always manages to do a number against the unlucky backman who draws the short straw and has to play on him while the forward line should relish the additional opportunities and score more than four goals. Notwithstanding, the Lions late surge to come from over 50 points down at the Gabba last month still resonates and the fact that they fancy themselves as finals contenders is enough to convince me that they have the added incentive to get themselves over the line. Brisbane by 15 points. I haven't been following the Lions all that closely but another omission in Polkinghorne surprises me a little in that he always seems to cause us some damage when we play them. He kicked 3 goals against us in round 1 last year, had a decent game later in the season at the Gabba and picked up 30 disposals and was close to BOG when we met in round 5 earlier this year. We're a definite chance if we can fire and get some ball out of the middle.

GONE TROPPO by JVM The Melbourne Football Club has certainly made an impression on the Top End of the nation in recent times. The club conducted an intensive preseason lasting a week or so late last year. Players lived and trained in an army barracks, walked through crocodile infested Kakadu in intensely hot and humid conditions and were feted by the local community. More recently some of its players felt even more intense heat in the cockpit of a light plane sweating it out through an emergency landing in circumstances that might easily have been a matter of life and death. Regrettably, none of the bravado displayed in the heat up there has helped avoid embarrassment at the hands of opposition clubs when it comes to playing a game of football. The Demons have been diabolical this season whether home or away but since the departure of Mark Neeld as coach, the players have been given more freedom and were coming out of their shells until they ran into the rampant Cats on their home turf right in the middle of a deluge which left their lighter bodied frames vulnerable to a hiding. The conditions probably saved them from a much larger defeat. This week, in a vastly different climate and on almost the opposite side of the continent, the team comes up against a vastly different opponent but one which was Geelong's last conqueror. Brisbane was languishing a little until recently after brushing all comers aside in the preseason NAB Cup. They trailed Geelong by 52 points close to three quarter time at the Gabba before their resurgence got them home after the siren. They lost to the Hawks the following week but have won two on end including that come from behind win last week against the Roos. In their past four final quarters, the Lions have posted 166 points to their opposition's 79. Given Melbourne's recent final term lapses (remember the Bulldogs game), I don't think I would back the Demons even if they were 10 goals ahead at the final break. As this is the first time for the season that Melbourne comes up against a repeat opponent, it gives us an opportunity to compare performances from the Neeld regime to the one under Neil Craig but I can't see the Demons improving on the 28 point shortfall from Round 5, particularly if Brent Moloney comes up fit. Beamer seems to be on a mission to torment his former fans as if his abysmal output when playing for the club in 2012 wasn't torment enough. You see, if Melbourne has gone backwards in one area in the past month, its been in the midfield which last week was almost invisible at centre square contests leading to the most lopsided inside 50 counts since they started counting them. And that's exactly what's driving us all Troppo! THE GAME Melbourne v Brisbane Lions at TIO Stadium, Darwin, Saturday 20 July, 2013 at 7.10pm. HEAD TO HEAD Overall Melbourne 21 wins Brisbane Lions 18 wins TIO Melbourne 0 wins Brisbane Lions 0 wins Since 2000 Melbourne 8 wins Brisbane Lions 10 Wins The Coaches Craig 0 wins Voss 0 wins MEDIA TV Fox Footy Channel 3 live at 7.30pm RADIO SEN ABC THE BETTING Melbourne $4.30 Brisbane Lions $1.21 THE LAST TIME THEY MET Brisbane Lions 17.20.122 defeated Melbourne 14.10.94 in Round 5, 2013 at the Gabba After an even first quarter, the home side established a narrow lead at half time before Jonathan Brown did in the third quarter what good, strong power forwards tend to do against the Demons. He blew them away. THE TEAMS MELBOURNE Backs Lynden Dunn Colin Garland Dean Terlich Half backs Tom McDonald James Frawley Mitch Clisby Centreline Jimmy Toumpas Jack Trengove Jack Grimes Half forwards Colin Sylvia Jack Watts Shannon Byrnes Forwards Aaron Davey Chris Dawes Jeremy Howe Followers Max Gawn Jack Viney Nathan Jones Interchange Sam Blease Jack Fitzpatrick Matt Jones Dean Kent Emergencies Jordie McKenzie Cameron Pedersen Jake Spencer In Jack Viney Out Daniel Nicholson BRISBANE LIONS Backs Jed Adcock Matt Maguire Joel Patfull Half backs Ryan Harwood Justin Clarke Brent Staker Centreline Pearce Hanley Tom Rockliff Sam Mayes Half forwards Dayne Zorko Jordan Lisle Rohan Bewick Forwards Josh Green Daniel Merrett Ashley McGrath Followers Matthew Leuenberger Jack Redden Daniel Rich Interchange Sam Docherty Ryan Lester Andrew Raines Elliot Yeo Emergencies James Polkinghorne In Sam Docherty Jordan Lisle Elliot Yeo Out Jonathan Brown Mitch Golby James Polkinghorne THE LATE MAIL My late mail delivered by Bill Lawry's carrier pigeon returning after fleeing Lords is that Jonathan Brown and Mitch Golby are out of the Brisbane Lions side for the game in Darwin. They join veteran midfielders Simon Black and Brent Moloney on the sidelines for the Lions which probably offsets the fact that former Brisbanite Mitch Clark continues to be missing from the Melbourne line up. Now, if only Mark Neeld was still around, he would no doubt explain the significance of the absence of the Brisbane quartet in terms of raw numbers of experience as expressed in games played. Leaving aside young Golby who has added some grunt to its defence, Brisbane is missing more than 700 games of AFL experience and almost the same number of goals scored. In economic terms they together comprise the equivalent of the gross national product of some South American banana republics and enough to raise even Alan Stockdale's eyebrows. What this means is that the game takes on an entirely different complexion. I don't have the precise figures (actually I don't have any figures at all) but I'm guessing that the differential between age, experience and body strength has narrowed markedly while Melbourne's main advantage over Brisbane (average IQ) would have gone through the roof with the absence of Brown and Moloney. This leaves only two considerations - the weather and the superiority of the opposition midfield. These were the two factors that in my view, led to that embarrassing record inside 50 differential against the Cats last week. I checked the weather report and they're predicting warm, sunny conditions during the day (max 32, min 19) and little or no rain although humidity will be high up to 95%. That means it won't be bucketing down as it did at Simonds Stadium so the Dees will have some respite on the weather front. Unfortunately, the Lions still have the advantage in the midfield even with Black and Moloney missing. Leuenberger should have the edge in terms of experience over Gawn and Fitzpatrick and Rich, Redden and Rockliff are likely to dominate the clearances with Raines sitting on Nathan Jones. Elsewhere, Melbourne needs to capitalise on the absence of Jonathan Brown who always manages to do a number against the unlucky backman who draws the short straw and has to play on him while the forward line should relish the additional opportunities and score more than four goals. Notwithstanding, the Lions late surge to come from over 50 points down at the Gabba last month still resonates and the fact that they fancy themselves as finals contenders is enough to convince me that they have the added incentive to get themselves over the line. Brisbane by 15 points.

DARKNESS COMES EARLY by Mean Gene Earth Hour came early for Demon fans on Saturday when the club was plunged into darkness a good 5½ hours earlier than the official time planned for the environmentally symbolic annual event. It all happened within minutes of the start of the third quarter that the Melbourne Football Club simply switched off against the Brisbane Lions after an even first half in which the game ebbed and flowed until the visitors grabbed a four point lead at the main break. When the lights went off at the MCG for the Demons there was nothing they could do to save themselves. There was no emotion in the way they played despite the fact that they should have been celebrating a lost comrade's departure from the earth. Indeed, it seemed that Brisbane's Irishman Pierce Hanley seemed more emotionally attached to the day than any Melbourne player after he pumped his fists towards the heavens when he booted a long goal from outside fifty. To be sure, the Demons are employing a new and different game plan but the result was no different to some of the worst rubbish they served up last year. It was hard to work out just how the plan was supposed to operate especially when the team was beaten comprehensively in the ruck by Ben Hudson and mauled by the likes of Black, Rich, Adcock and co at stoppages. When they got the ball the gist of it was that you bombed the ball long and high into the forward line hoping someone would take a mark (but it hardly ever happened) or that someone would crumb the ball (but it never happened). Brisbane was able to run and run without much challenge and with far more desperation and determination, greater skills and with purpose. Melbourne looked slow because it was slow. It was an indictment on the team that only first gamer James Magner could hold his head up high after the rest of his teammates produced such an insipid performance. That standard was matched by a coach's box that seemed to have no answers and didn't appear to be interested in cutting off the opposition strengths such as veteran midfielder Simon Black who dominated around the packs. His younger opponents looked so tired and jaded that they didn't even have the strength to blow out a candle. Melbourne 3.3.21 7.4.46 8.8.56 11.12.78 Brisbane Lions 1.4.10 7.8.50 13.13.91 17.17.119 Goals Melbourne Clark Howe Magner 2 Davey Green Martin Trengove Watts Brisbane Lions Banfield Polkinghorne Rockliff 3 Hanley Merrett 2 Adock Leuenberger McGrath Sheldon Best MelbourneMagner, Trengove, Watts, Frawley, Howe, Jones Brisbane Lions Black Rich Hanley Rockliff Adcock McGrath Substitutes Melbourne Sam Blease replaced by Matthew Bate at three-quarter time Brisbane Lions Rohan Bewick replaced by Sam Sheldon at three-quarter time Injuries Melbourne Magner (ankle) Brisbane Lions Nil Reports Melbourne Clint Bartram for executing a completely innocuous sling tackle (please don't get me started). Brisbane Lions Nil Umpires Dalgleish, Leppard, Grun Official crowd 33,473 at MCG

Good afternoon Demon fans! Well, after almost seven months of off field goings on and a month of pre season matches, drama and tragedy, it's on in earnest today. First game of the season is always a big day and it's even bigger today with a new coach, new players and a blank sheet. As usual, I just want the four points.